Virtual World Tales

Ooops, sorry to crash in to you – I haven’t rezzed yet! Where are you…? I can’t see your avi yet…

Sound familiar? It’s time to meet your mini (map!) I’m amazed when I learn that somebody doesn’t have their mini-map always visible! It’s full of great nuggets of information and I often glance at it – sort of like the rear-view mirror in my car! First glance shows me if any of my friends are around (the gold dots) and how busy the location is.

Controlling your mini is a mouse task. With the mouse over the mini, scroll in and out and see how your map responds. I typically keep mine distanced enough to show me the sim I’m on.

Got dots? Green dots are other avis and the yellow/gold dots are your Friends.

But what if…it’s not quite a dot – it’s a little arrow/chevron thingy! If it points up – the avi is higher than you. If it points down, their elevation is lower than yours.

Right Click on a dot and you’ll get a little menu offering Profile, Cam and options to track or change the color of the dot you’ve selected. (When I land somewhere, I’ll often use this feature to see who’s nearby!)

Some viewer’s mini-maps have the avi name appear if you simply hover your cursor over their dot.

The Imprudence viewer allows you to expand/drop down the mini-map and you’ll get a list of nearby avis, and their distance from you – as well as cool menu that offers Profiles, IM, TP To and more. I love the TP To option! Takes me straight to my friend!

Going to a busy place that’s slow to rez? Zoom in to your closest possible mini-map view and navigate your avi with it! Simply avoid the dots!

Do you see blue shapes on your mini? That’s YOUR stuff! Think you dropped your wig at a friends house but can’t see it? Zoom in-out with your mini and look for the blue clump. I have a freebie item offered at the InWorldz Desert Island welcome area…and it’s so nice to navigate my way to my item via my mini, rather than walking through the busy landing area – trying to recall which store has my item.

And all the other shapes…those belong to other people. At a glance you can see what parts of the sim are developed. There are some discrepancies if there are objects by multiple owners, stacked. Example, my friend has a build platform, rezzed high, at my place. While there was nothing on the ground beneath it, I could clearly see its shape. Once I began rezzing on the ground below it, the shape of his build was replaced with my own blue shapes.

Object detail and distance shown, will vary depending on your Draw Distance as well. Generally, objects you can see will appear on your mini. If your draw distance is low, your mini map will be lower resolution too.

Double left click on your mini to open the big map!

My thoughts come from experience with the original SL viewer, the much missed Emerald, the IWz viewer, Imprudence and/or Phoenix – I’ve not used the newer v2 or Hippo…or any others – so your experience may vary.

Did I miss anything? What’s your favorite way to master the mighty mini-map?

Groups! I have a love hate relationship with them! They serve so many great purposes – but, can also be annoying, disruptive beds for growing false information. I’ll try to keep my personal preferences out of here – but share some basic group etiquette that should benefit everyone!
GROUP CHAT

A little grammar, please. I realize it’s a casual environment, but to prevent confusion…add a comma here and there – so we can distinguish one point from another.

Who are you speaking to? If the group chat includes more than one topic/conversation/thread…mention the name of who you’re addressing. This is so other people will know what topic you’re addressing.

Promoting an event? DETAILS!! Of course the date, time & location are important…but what kind of event is it? Specifically, what is new at your shop? How much is it? How many prims are included? It’s only the really bored reader that’s going to respond to a vague announcement!

Does the group have criteria? Limits to chat topics or Notice frequency? As a group owner, set them – and post them where all members can see (group description, perhaps). As a participant in a group, heed them. What you consider a friendly invite can be considered spam by another… Know your audience and respect their expectations.

How many notices are really needed for an event? Most people in world are spontaneous. “There’s a great show now, let’s go!”… but a week long update – 7 days till the big show, 6 days till the big show, 5 days, etc… Please stop!

Consider a web based calendar for a busy agenda. 2-3 events per day, or a jam packed weekend line up? Have one place where your followers can look to see it all! Let your group notices be lighter – encourage your followers to learn how to get updates 24/7. While I’m at RL work, I might check my favorite musicians Google calendar to see if there’s a show I want to attend that evening…. InWorldz blog pages would also work for this. (web pages that feature your creations would also serve this purpose…updated with new merchandise.)

Too many group notices? Too much chat? Check the Group’s page and review the options in lower right corner. You can disable them temporarily and/or individually. If that’s too extreme, consider “tearing off” the group chat window and minimizing it….then the group chat can go on without it pinging each time, and you can review what you missed, at your leisure.

An InWorldz specific suggestion, as the Profiles can’t be opened by clicking on avi names from within group chat window… (one most go to Search, then look up the avi). Don’t make the person who’s willing to dig an LM (or whatever) out of their inventory for you ALSO have to search your name to deliver it. The person seeking help should be doing some of the work, no?

Personally, I like to see groups stay true to their origins. If I’m in a group for cat lovers, it isn’t because I wanted to hear about your day, your broken heart or visions for your sim….if I’m interested in your day, I’ll send you an IM. Particularly in a large group with a fairly broad focus, doesn’t it just seem polite (and discreet) to take your personal details to IM? If what your discussing takes more than 2-3 entries, perhaps you should pause and contemplate how many of the people in this group want/need to know what you’re talking about.

And since you’ve made it this far, I’ll be very blunt and say that, overall, I dislike ALL groups! I cringe when there’s dozens of notices each time I sign in…my blood pressure goes up each time an IM interrupts my work… I actually boycott any establishment that sends me more than one announcement per day!!! Yet, there are facets of each group that I want – so I don’t turn off the announcements. When you ramble on in a group chat, I mute you for the day! I don’t dislike anyone in the groups. The groups I’m in are full of great, friendly and helpful people and there’s such an amazing network being developed – every day! – I just prefer a quieter experience when I sign in (/me is a weird hermit)

I hope the groups I’m in don’t think I’m a bitch now… Perhaps I could form a new group “People Who Think Dancer is Bitchy”?? LOL Am I the only one who feels this way?

I’m sure everyone has had a glimmer (no pun intended) of a dream that includes making money in Second Life, InWorldz, etc. Perhaps earn just enough money to cover your shoe purchases…or enough to quit your RL job and spend all day goofing around online!

Both are nice goals, though I strongly recommend you not quit your day job yet!

I’m no virtual tycoon, but I do have quite a bit of successful RL experience with advertising, marketing and PR…and during the past year, have also seen my virtual sales blossom.

I think we should all have fun experimenting, trying-failing-trying again, deciding to move in another direction, etc with whatever amuses us here. But if you really intend to sell some things – and to more than your dear friends who just want show you support…here are some things to keep in mind.

Of all the people who hope to make $$ here, what percentage actually will sell more than a few of their items? What percentage will make enough to recoup their investment in supplies (textures, uploads, scripts, etc)? What portion will earn enough to cover their shop rent or tier…their tier AND their shoe habit? And then who will actually cash in virtual money for RL cash? So….how will you and your items be different?

I’ve no statistic to share, but I’m convinced that the more you hope/expect to make $$, the less you’ll earn. A good product is created by somebody who wants to CREATE, not sell. If you’re just creating for the earning potential, you may not end up with a unique item.

Don’t let #1 and #2 deter you! You won’t know what you can do till you try!

It wasn’t always this way in SL/IWz, but you have to have something unique …or at least fresh. A little black dress or a pair of perfect black shoes is definitely something people buy, but there are already 8 gazillion of them for sale. The competition alone, will diminish your sales capacity. Give the little black dress or shoes some special little details that make them stand out from the rest!

Who’s your market? Is your item for a specialty niche? In your efforts to create unique items, be careful to not get so obscure that your audience contains only a handful of people. Knowing who your buyers might be is also handy when it comes time to advertise.

Photos for your Advertisements! Virtual photography is an art of its own, and most of us aren’t Photoshop or Gimp masters – but clear images for your ads makes a HUGE difference. Even a novice photographer can make sure the photographs really focus on the item your selling. 50% or more of the photo space should be of the object itself. Zoom in! Selling a belt? There’s no need to show the entire avi. Yes, I know you look really cool as a model, but zoom in close to the belt and make it fill a majority of the frame, or crop out the unrelated subjects. Showing the object from multiple angles is a good idea too. (added: Be sure the background doesn’t distract from the object – a beautiful background sounds nice, but might take the eye away from what your selling, and virtual photography needs as much clarity as you can get!)

Text for Advertisements! A cool name is fun – and maybe you and your friend LOL’ed for hours when you thought of it. But, if you’re planning to sell to more than your friends, your advertising text needs to be informative and descriptive. I troll the SLMarketplace.com for items often – and there’s nothing more frustrating than an ad for “The Sascha” – with a photograph of a lovely avatar. …Wtf is being sold? The hair? The shape? A complete avi? Be specific and make the words help you sell. Leave no doubt what you’re selling. (That said, too many words will confuse buyers and dilute the overall value of description) Also, be sure you’re using the best spelling and grammar possible. Get some help, ask for a proofreader! Bad typing and language barriers shouldn’t appear in your ads! (added: Spellcheck is your friend – and speaking of friends, have them proofread your ads. Not advertising in your native language? Web translators are great, but often miss a word or two – skewing your message. Once again, get another set of eyes to review your work! This is often the first impression buyers will have of you – be professional!)

Packaging. You’ve gone to all this trouble to create a great product – why not optimize it?! You can texture a basic box or have a special shopping bag – think of a packaging style to use for ALL your items and create a consistent look for them. Inside the packaging, be sure to add an LM and any photos of your other products or notecard describing your business in greater detail.

Branding or logo. Some sort of signature mark on your ads and packaging can help shoppers remember you! A unique logo is great, but branding can also be created through use of specific fonts, colors, borders, backgrounds, etc. A consistent visual thread throughout your packaging. (while it should be noticeable, it shouldn’t be more noticeable/distracting than the object your selling)

Renting space for your store? To save money, start small. Resist selling your object in every color available until you see if the basic/best colors are well received. A small store with a variety of items is more appealing than a store with 2-3 items, in 16 colors each!

Selling on SL’s web Marketplace? Pay attention to which words you enter in each box, and compare it to what you see when shopping. The first words of your description may be all the “window shopper” gets to see. Do those first words define well AND sound appealing to somebody who doesn’t know a thing about your object? Review your listings often! Try to see it with a blind eye – remembering that the shoppers need simple and clear information.

Some bragging, but not too much! It can be difficult to write an honest promotion for your own work. Too many adjectives take away from the object and sound phony. “A beautiful, charming, unique handbag” doesn’t tell me as much as “a casual black leather handbag.”

CUSTOMER SERVICE An unhappy customer is 7x more vocal than a happy one. In most cases, it doesn’t cost us anything to replace something for a customer. Yes, I know they’re lying, presumptuous, unappreciative, rude and a fugly noob that can’t sort their own inventory – but, thank them for shopping with you and give them a replacement to shut them up! *smiles* Remember how you’ve felt when trying to get a incomplete purchase resolved. Did you have any patience for excuses?

Groups, Profiles, blogs, websites, and updates. Web media is a great way to stay in touch with your customers. Let them know what’s new. Experiment with the different platforms to see which gets the best results. My favorite group notices include notecards with photos of the new items – so I can decide if I want to bother TP’ing to the store. A photo blog can do the same trick. (added: Like your advertisements, these need to have good spelling and grammar too!)

Location, location, location!! It’s cool if you’ve got your own sim/parcel for your shop, but, does it get traffic? Consider a location in a neighborhood that matches your content. Not much point putting your steampunk art shop on a sci-fi themed sim!

InWorldz Specifically? Well, this has been an interesting study for me. I watch the growth numbers for IW daily, and it’s definitely climbing – slow, but steady! As IWz is in beta, there’s a “hopeful rumor” that when physics comes – all will be more stable, and then everyone will come flooding to IWz, and business will rise….this really sounds great. Yet, just how busy might that be? For the meantime, I find it at an awkward stage. Most the regulars here are creators themselves! I’m not sure there’s much to do here (yet) if you don’t build. Everyone needs fashion and avatar accessories, but I’m not sure there’s a big demand for home or shop supplies yet. (since we’re mostly builders, we just build our own stuff) There’s definitely a demand for building supplies!! Many of the non-creators show up, stumble around frustrated with the beta/noobie feelings, leave, and wonder what the big deal is. Maybe they’ll be back…? I anticipate that it will continue to grow, yet it will be the rare item indeed that sells like hotcakes! Currently, it’s a great time to create, set up shop, and establish your reputation. As it’s currently difficult to search and tp, and pretty cheap to rent space, more than one location for a store is probably a good idea here.

Not sure how to move forward with your idea? Feel free to write me, I’d be happy to talk about a strategy with you…but the first thing I’ll ask is, are you doing it for the passion? If it’s just for the money, not sure I’ll be able to help you much 🙂 Good luck!

Below you’ll find a photo series of items I’ve created InWorldz ( http://slurl.com/secondlife/Bella/210/164/2003 ). Most items are mod/copy. They’re all available to view in person – but, take a glance at the snapshots below if you need a teaser! Newest content always at the top of the page. All the store locations are available via my InWorldz Profile picks and classifieds! I’m happy to deliver, send them as a gift, or provide a mod/no copy version for you to share. Need a variation on a piece? …just send an IM!

Most items are available in SL also! 🙂

Just two beautiful prims!

3 prims – pardon the typo in description above.

18th Century Mahogany Bureau – 2 Prims (copy/mod)

1 Prim Bookshelf (copy/mod)

Heibei Blue Buffet – 2 Prims (copy/mod)

18th Century Male Study – 1 Prim (copy/mod)

1720 Portrait of a Gentleman – 1Prim (copy/mod)

Heibei Cabinet – 3 Prims (copy/mod)

Little Black Clock – 3 Prim (copy/mod)

Blue Curio Cabinet – Just 1 Prim! (copy/mod)

Boudoir Pitcher and Bowl

Only 2 prims – rich with Victorian style!

Pick Me by Robert Larkin

Robert Larkin is a RL artist, and a friend of mine. I feel very fortunate to own this painting in RL…can’t imagine why it took me so long to create the digital version. But listen….Robert’s 5 year old son Jake is VERY ill. He has a rare bone marrow disorder. They’re looking for a donor match – and it’s so easy to learn if you can help. It’s a simple cheek swab that could save Jake’s life. Learn how you can help Jake and the worldwide data bank for this new donor technique at http://brentbishop.com/matchjake.org/

Bowl of Pears

Good enough to eat! Just 1 calorie, errr, prim each pear! Or grab the whole bowl for 5 prims. The torchiere’ and candelabra are described below in earlier posts.

The Fez Bench

A relaxed spoon animation for two avis on this rustic bench with ambient lighting. 14 prims, copy/mod.

Crusade’s Spears

I guess some people thought that The Crusades were a good idea at the time….?? Just 3 prims each – C/M, of course.

Viking Lamp

Please don’t laugh – I know it’s silly! 🙂 4 prims and C/M.

Jams

Just one tasty prim each – strawberry or peach preserves. (C/M)

Lemons!

…Lemon tree very pretty…but the bowl of lemons is sweeter! 8 prims, copy mod. There’s a single lemon, lemon with leaf, and half lemon. Bowl is easily tinted to match your space.

The Seated Scribe

I swiped this from the Louvre on my last visit… 🙂 It IS one of the oldest pieces there. Don’t tell anyone, but I think this one is is a forgery! Just 3 prims – and…looks 3-D, but isn’t.

Faberge Eggs and the Victorian Octagon Table

Oooh the Faberge’ Eggs were fun to make – especially the open one with a strand of diamonds and rubies inside! The simple table and basic eggs are just one prim, the open egg is 4. All copy/mod.

Simple Sideboard

Just one prim and lots of vintage feel for this wooden sideboard. I’ve tinted this one to be redwood, but easy to change to match your needs. The new Kirnan rug is a bit faded… and there are new elegant green glasses for sherry. There are dozens of single books around the shop – but that’s a new little linked stack of six!

Lights and gilt!

Still need to lighten’ up? Le Petite Lamp (3 prims) on the left has an easily tintable vintage shade and a fine trim of vintage bead work. If you need a dash of royalty, peek at the golden scepter. Just two shiny prims! On the right, the Angelic Candelabra. An indulgence in prims! 5 candles with flickering flames and the little angel in the middle (so near the flames!) 17 prims. All items are copy/mod.

Similar – but different! Just a decade apart in their designs. The table top torchiere’ has the curvy Victorian lines (2 prims)…while the standing torchiere’ is smooth and sleek, into the art deco era (3 prims). Tiffany glass shade manages to work with ANY decade!

Downton Sage Torchiere’

From an upstairs bedroom at Downton Abbey – just 3 prims. That globe is easily tintable to any shade to suit your decor.

Tiffany Table Lamp

Do you remember the 1980’s pop star, Tiffany? This has nothing to do with her! 🙂 Just two prims and lots of Victorian detail.

New Liquor

Just 1 prim each – these bottles aspire to be name brand labels….copy/mod, of course.

Incan Urn

For over a century, this highly detailed gold urn was assumed to be Mayan – but forensic studies have determined that it is from the Inca – and still only one prim!

La Belle Epoque Street Lamp

Suitable for indoors or out – a sweet little 4 prim lamp post, direct from a little shop near Sacre Coeur in Montmarte arrondissement in Paris.

A Gold Mayan Platter

Found this years ago while snorkeling at the underwater Mayan ruins, near Talum, Mexico. Just one shiny prim.

Downton Kitchen Lamp

A warm glow – perfect for the staff kitchen! Just 3 prims, copy & mod. Easy to adjust the length to suit your ceiling. After this photo, I experimented with tinting the glass prim – oooooh so many options. I have many variations around now – you can do the same, easily!

A Mayan Goblet

Found in an old Spanish castle, but it is Mayan! 🙂 Just a single prim – great shine and detail on the texture.

A Vesuvian Pot

This rustic, yet well preserved, 3 prim pot was found during some recent excavations at Mount Vesuvius.

Horseshoes!

Simple 1 prim horseshoes in 3 models. Copy/mod, of course.

Bust of Nefertiti

Over 3,000 years old! (well 3 hours, in virtual time!) A semi 3-d system…gives great dimension to the bust. (however, the bust is not visible from behind!). 4 prims and tons of vintage ambiance!

It doesn’t provide music, but it does provide high detail charm! 15 shiny prims! Copy/Mod.

Icy Cold Beer!

A glass or a mug – refreshing! The glass is 1 prim, the mug is 2. Copy/mod.

Vase of Assorted Calla Lilies

The calla lilies are in bloom again. Such a strange flower, suitable to any occasion. I carried them on my wedding day, and now I place them here in memory of something that has died.” — Katherine Hepburn

LOL – I have no attachment to that quote – but I have grown fond of these versatile flowers. Grab a vase full or purchase individually. Full vase, 22 prims – individually, 2 prim. All copy/mod.

Elegant blue Vase of White Calla Lillies

A great table top accessory! 9 prims, copy/mod.

Fluffy Towels

6 rolled up prims you can reorganize so many ways. Available individually in white, in the kitchen. (photo taken in the new upstairs bathroom – which is stuffed full of bathing accessories.)

Baroque Vase of Yellow Roses

Not a lot of new things lately, as I’ve been extra busy moving the store! Man, there is a lot of crap. Not all objects will make it to the new store location…some things have lost their luster and seem so… amateur! I promise you’ll love the new store and region – but a reminder that the old store/sim will be in place only till Jan. 20th.

Two is Company

Just an old vintage poster.

Burlap Bag with a Fruit Tree

Direct from the grower and ready for your garden! Just 3 prims, copy/mod. On the left…an old ceramic vase with 4 pussy willows. 4 prim.

Just a few new items at Glimmer Moon today.

New china plates! How about 2 prim jars for cookies, sugar and ..whatever? A 1 prim blue bottle of water…and a Ming armoire! (the armoire is available in other sizes, indoors)

So, I’ll let you in on my January plans InWorldz…after much thought, I am moving the store – everything, actually – to my sim next door. I’m really not keeping up with 2 sims (there isn’t enough TIME!!), so I’m letting one go. It will really feel/look the same, a stunning garden setting – and the store will have a face lift during the move. RL has me maxed out through mid January – and with this move, I am not sure how much new merchandise I’ll have until afterwards – but be assured, I’m not going anywhere and still loving EVERYTHING about my IWz! I wish you all a healthy and happy NEW YEAR!

An old time holiday toy! Each just one prim. Keep them centered or tilt. Copy/mod.

Cookie Tins

A few styles – and the square box is full of chocolate chip cookies. 2 prims each tin, copy/mod.

Christmas Tray for Santa

Just for Santa! A vintage tray decorated with holly leaves and berries. A bunch of chocolate chip cookies and some strawberries dipped in chocolate! A hot cocoa cocktail (and one for you too!) – even a note to Santa. All copy/mod – so you can rearrange in soooo many ways!

Little Ceramic Santa

A great addition to your holiday table or fireplace.

Spinning Snow Globe

Animated Snow-globe 7 prims, copy/mod! The tree slowly turn and the snowflakes flurry around! This was a free gift for group members this week – would you like to be a member too?

Upstairs for Vintage Holiday Items

Low to high prim, all copy/mod, charming antique holidays items to spruce up your home or shop. I’m sure there’s more to come!

A Very Tipsy Santa

He’s been hitting the bottle! And, he’s copy/mod – so you can sober him up easily! Lots of detail in the rocking chair! 22 prims for your holiday spirits!

A Viking Helmet!

This was made just for decor, but it could surely be used on your head too! Just 3 prims….and, stay tuned – over in SL, I made one into a lamp – behave, or I will bring it here too!

Garden Shelf

Where but IWz could I indulge in all this prim detail? An orchid, lavender, chamomile, birds and butterflies – all on a simple 1 prim shelf! The total prim count is 51. It’s not my most affordable item, but Edit it and you’ll see the endless opportunities…copy certain parts, rearrange – experiment – it’s copy/mod.

New Stuff – November 5, 2011

Barrels! A surf board, dude! A Morroccan lamp! All just 1 prim each. Lots more detail in the music boxes, they even play a Christmas song! And a simple drum that might be fun for the holidays. A reminder that there’s a room upstairs slowly filling with holiday decor! More to come during the next month. (however – I’ll be away for RL travel one more time, returning 11/11/11.

Butterflies are Free to Fly

Can you see them? Lots and lots of 1 prim butterflies – all a flutter! The basic configuration includes 10 butterflies, each a different color – but let me know if you want just one! Copy/mod of course – there’s a lot of potential with these little guys! Each floats around a loop, any size you want! (hint – to catch/buy them – Highlight Transparent Ctrl+Alt+T)

I’ve always wanted one in RL…it’s nice to have one virtually! 4 prims that you can copy/mod..a great flame rises through the chimney (that script is modable too). A great touch of vintage!

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Always a favorite of mine in RL, trees laced with little white lights adds such ambiance! The big tree on the left is new, just 2 prims..but with the lights it’s 21. Either version is copy/mod. Off to the right, last week’s new tree has lights too! 42 prims.

Coiled Rope

Just one copy/mod prim – a great detail for a dock, boat or warehouse.

Head Lights

What to say, really? Heads…that are lights. Head Lights! 10 prims, copy/mod

Tombstones

A little something for Halloween – just 1 prim each, copy/mod. 🙂

Sculpted Fans

Great details with just 1 sculpty prim each. Copy/mod.

Candles – Lots of them!

Old candles – just 2 prims each! copy/mod. Of course you don’t need to rez this many…or do you? 🙂 Change the tint to match your mood and decor.

Stuffed Pheasant

Just 3 prims – haven’t you always wanted one?? lol

Duck Floating with Lily Pads

Sweet and slow, the lily pads slowly rotate and the duck follows. Just 4 prims. Also available without lily pads.

Ducks in a Row

Just 3 prims each – cute on the land or in the water!

Cranes

3 prims each – outstanding near the water’s edge. copy/mod. Fans of my Uglet Egret might like these – (Yes, much to my surprise, there are many of you!).

For some reason, it was not difficult to create the drunken posture….Lots of details with this skeleton – 21 prims. Copy/Mod.

Paper Lantern Strand

Soft pastel shades (that you can MOD) will bring a bright ambiance to your space. Just 9 prims and copy! (on the distant right is a similar, more geometric shaped strand…white lights are visible in the distance here too – wow, I have lots of lights now!) 🙂

Chili Pepper Light Strand

Spicy lighting!! 13 bright and colorful prims – copy/mod.

A Tool Box!

Lots of tools that will help you look like a builder! LOL 🙂 Most are 1 prim, all are copy/mod. Buy the box – or choose your tools individually (they’re on a board on the wall of the rustic shed, to the right side of big shop)

Little Red Train

A little red train to bring a taste of the holidays! Lots of detail with 18 prims. Mod it into a new configuration, adding cars, change the color…got passengers? Heck, stretch it to be huge and ride it!

Dancer’s Chest

Just 3 prims and lots of rustic feel. MOD the lid position – or even the texture.

Sherlock Holmes Posters

For the past two weeks in RL, I’ve (finally!) been discovering the Sherlock Holmes mysteries! Here are a couple of 1 prim vintage posters.

3 prims that will add farm charm to your place! If you had previously purchased the red chicken from me, send me an IM to receive the white hen for free!

Hanging Moroccan Lantern

Just 2 charming prims, the Hanging Moroccan Lantern will add ambiance to any space! Copy/Mod, of course and available (cheaper) without the chain! …reminder that the lighting collection at Glimmer Moon has grown large…light strands, light posts, rustic lanterns, 1 prim chandeliers and more!

Fiesta Kitchen Counter

18 prims perfect for a rustic kitchen, green house or work shed. A double sink with unique handcrafted tile work for the side counters and shelf below. copy/mod too!

Victorian Red Lightpost

3 simple prims that add a detailed ambiance. Also available with green glass. Copy/mod it to make it perfect for your space!

Victorian Vanity and Accessories

I love vanities in RL – I even have my grandmother’s in my bedroom! With her perfume decanters on top..almost just like this! The vanity is 4 prim and so is the stool. The stool has a hair brushing animation. Zoom in to see the beautiful perfume decanters – my favorite! All items are mod/copy and sold individually. These items are located at THE TOP OF THE STAIRS.

New, for August 16, 2011

What started as a simple one prim bookshelf turned in to an ornate and detailed elegant 15 prim bookshelf! Easy to edit and change the color tint to match your place. Like the bookshelf full of stuff? There’s a version of that too! 95 prims – also copy and mod (which means i had to set the price rather high, sorry – though it is cheaper than buying all individually). Last but not least, a low prim wicker chair – just like the one in my gramma’s old sun-room! Hand crochet pillow covers – each with different sit animations (3 total).

New Vintage Books

Just 2 prims each – great old titles! Easy to resize them to fit your shelves!

New this week.

An odd assortment this week! Little one prim mushrooms, white or brown. A laundry basket (just in case you don’t have enough at home!), washboard, several types of mortars with pestles in white, brown or black marble and a candlestick and candelabra. As usual, it’s all copy and mod.

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Finely detailed black wrought iron supports this glowing candle. A touch of fae – a touch of fantasy! Just two mod/copy prims.

Carousel Dragon Horse!

Hadn’t you just been wishing for a high detailed dragon for your carousel? 28 prims/copy/mod – just in case you want a bunch!

Pepper Mill and Shakers

Add some spice to your IWz with salt and pepper shakers (2 prim each) or a pepper mill (just one).

Washboard

Just two prims and a perfect way to add a rustic feel to your kitchen!

Arm Chair

…and just one prim! Change the color! There is also a straight backed version.

Old Rocker

Lots of details with 8 prims. Change the color – rez a pair or more! It has a comfy sit animation – but, sorry no rocking (I tried, honest – but will only work if chair is facing one specific direction, lol!)

Mistletoe Sprig

With white or red berries, suitable for your doorway and guaranteed to bring you kisses!

Ceramic Holiday Tree – It Spins Slowly!

Just two 2 prims. The ceramic tree is just like the wind-up one my grandmother had – except this one doesn’t play Silent Night!

Golden Cherub

Mostly holiday decor, this golden cherub might be suitable all year – in the right spot. Just four golden prims that you can copy and mod.

The Nutcracker

Well..yes..a nutcracker! The thing I like best about him is resizing him. He’ll be a tiny ornament on a holiday tree and a larger-than-life sized statue! (There’s a room upstairs where the holiday decor is being stored in the main shop)

Holiday (or not!) Wreathed Candle

You can save this for winter holiday season – but, I’ll have mine out all year! A flickering red candle surrounded by a sculpted floral wreath – even little red berries nestled within. 6 prims – copy/mod.

Extra extra worn sofa…

This poor sofa… takes a beating! 25 prims, copy/mod, and more versions than I know what to do with!

I tried to build a new sofa – but it fell apart, lost a leg, I had to prop it up with books, then stuffing starting bulging out and a mouse moved in! (hard to see all that in the photo….and special thanks to Inca Ferraris for the inspiration!) I’m sure there’s a lovely version of this sofa too – sans holes and critters! Also, a simple garden box that’s growing carrots, chamomile and rosemary! The old pram is back – this one full of critters!

Scale with Fruit

Highly detailed brass scale filled with fresh and lush fruits. 32 prims…you can copy and mod – rearrange into a new configuration. The scale is also available empty.

A few more details to spice up a vintage kitchen…an old cookie tin (full of chocolate chip cookies!), a very cook candlestick phone, stacks of antique china plates, plates of sweets or veggies, tea pots – even a paper towel holder (you know you have always wanted one!) 🙂

Green China Cabinet

..okay, so it’s a lot like my red cabinet from a month ago…but this one is taller, and has knobs and has detailed wood work on the top and bottom. It’s sold solo, but on display are some books, a stack of plates and an etched green glass decanter and matching snifters. I guess that’s my bum too…no clue on prim count but, it’s definitely no mod/no copy/no trans!

Dishes on the Rack

Too much RL? 🙂 I couldn’t resist putting these together…vintage plates drying on the rack..just like my RL kitchen counter! I’ve been adding a kitchen to the store – as the photo reflects, it’s still a mess! The dishes are available individually too – just 50 IZs for each and 1 prim/copy/mod. New cabinetry too…in elegant gloss finishes or old and rough looks – easy for you to change that – and re-tint too!

Colorful Orchids!

A highly detailed 32 prims for each beautiful orchid. Rose, pink and white shades. Would be easy to trade the pot out…something shabby or something elegant? 🙂

Li’l Squirrel and Pinecone

He’s a bit squirrelly…careful! 10 prims/copy/mod 🙂 and cute!

Garden Wagon

The blue wagon is just 3 prims (mod/copy)..and so easy to tint! Seems a bit of dirt collected and daisies and primrose have bloomed! The flowers are available in 1 prim sculpty, 4 prim flexy, and even a ground cover (scattered around the sims, IM me if you can’t find). The bunnies…7 prims of cuteness!

The Green Lantern!

No, not the super hero…just highly detailed parts with a warm and illuminating glow. All mod – set the lighting to suit your mood. Copy and rez them around your garden! Is it just me or is that Coleman Lantern Green? 🙂

The Feel Better Box!

or…just a gift box! A rich red box that includes a potted chamomile plant, sweet little bird, a juicy vintage novel, a pear, a little jug of mystery elixir and a couple envelopes. A great housewarming gift or sweet way to say you’re thinking of somebody! Free…and free delivery to your loved ones! (copy only) Just IM me with their full name and I’ll send the box and any special message on your behalf.

Silly Dollhouse

I don’t know..please don’t ask. It’s well..it’s silly. It’s not Mod…otherwise, I’d have to charge a zillion IZs! But, it is Copy – though I’m sure one would be more than enough. It’s proportioned to regular doll house size – in no way could this be a home for Tiny folks (I don’t think…).

Feel like a spring chicken again!

I’m promise I’ll get out of my shabby chic/garden/farm mode soon…but not till I finish up a few more details! This Red Chicken is just 3 prims. Copy/Mod…I’ve rezzed a hen coop full of them, adjusted their sizes – slight tint changes.. fab! Oooh, just made a smaller one, turned low Shininess on, and it is perfect for the kitchen or dining room (I have similar statues in RL -were my grandmas!).The Red Chicken is listed for 75 IZs…but, he’s free to group members and their friends….just IM me for delivery!

Chicken Out the View 🙂

Garden Tools! Just 1 prim each!

The green thumb supplies continue! Hand tools for your garden, just one prim each – and in a wide variety of colors. A spade, hoe, claw and handrake! Even the garden tool box is just 1 prim. The texture for the garden tool box is very light, easy for you to tint the color to suit your exact needs!

Pigeon Hole Cabinet

The basic cabinet/shelf is just 1 prim! I’ve barely tinted the basic texture grey, but you can easily tint to any shade! All those cubbyholes are perfect for stowing your other ..stuff 🙂 A coffee cup and pot, note cards, dried lavender, eggs, a mouse..More has been added since I took the shot! The greenhouse has so much potential…I have another rezzed elsewhere, with more of a guest house feel…full of antiques, art, a brass bed…wish I could show you a photo! *grins*

Tea & Notes

A simple one prim table, decorated with 1 prim tea pot and cup…and vintage envelopes! Even a well worn leather carrying envelope! All copy/mod 🙂 Gee, the greenhouse is really filling up!

Eggs and Things…

It never occurred to me that I’d be making pixel brown eggs – let alone a carton for them…*blinks*…but with the new chicken coop nearby (don’t ask), they just developed. In a carton, in a basket and soon to be Easter-ish (yes, I know that holiday has passed). Also, yellow bell peppers, watermellons, a Georgiana era bowl filled with lavender, Flamingos by my fav RL artist, Jesse Arms Botke..a watercolor, a cup of coffee, a pitcher – a bunch of things you really don’t need! 🙂 You’ll find these mod/copy items in the new amazing greenhouse – to the left of the big store.

Wagon with Pots and Flowers (and the little bird!)

Awesome 1 prim pots – in great colors, including the dirt! Easy to slide the tint on them – even add some Shine, and you’ll have a whole new look. I added a little chamomile plant to one, and much to my surprise, the cutest little yellow bird landed there too! (click the photo to see the bird better). There’s a cluster of garlic cloves hanging, a bundle of dried lavender – and you can see another shot of the greenhouse in the background.

I’m rather wowed at the low prim count for this greenhouse…I added lighting inside, and a weather vane on top (click photo for larger view)..and still just 8 prims. You can remove those details and drop the prims lower.

Low Prim Gypsy Vardo – Wagon

Can you believe it’s only 5 prims for that cute gypsy vardo? You can even MOD them..tint the wood – make your own style! Since they’re so light on prims, rez more than one to create your own gypsy camp. Just 350 IZs. I still offer the larger, fully detailed vardo – see the very last photo on this page.

The highly detailed floral work

I did a revamping of an old basic bench with some highly detailed (and HIGH prim) floral work. The bench seats two – and has the floral draping on each corner. A total of 65 prims! Must be seen to believe!

Just when I thought I was worldly, I learn something new! The charming Carla Jarnhilde asked if I’d ever made a kakelugn…a what? 🙂 She was kind enough to send me more info…and I learned they are a very cool indoor space heater – perhaps used from 1700s-1950s. A whole new look to what I knew as a wood-burning stove. This copy/mod antique kakelugn is about 11 prims and copy/mod so you can fine tune for your place. This photo does not come close to showing the fine ceramic tile details that are included. Thanks Carla, for inspiring me to something totally new!

Elegant Round Wood Table

Lots of elegance and not so many prims! Copy/mod and only 125Iz! Experiment with color tint to match the wood to your home decor. It’s a simple, yet sweet piece that brings antique sophistication!

The “County House” Prints

Paper Lanterns

New lighting! Colorful paper lanterns will add a bright splash to your doorway or throughout your outdoor spaces. 7 prims/copy/mod. Just 125 IZ’s.

Updated Tubs – Now with animations for couples.

It took awhile, but the new menu driven tubs for couples are ready! Special thanks to the group….I sent out a few demos for private testing last week and they submitted great suggestions! 32 couples animations (12 bathing and the rest are …well… Adult!). The hammered copper tub is just 3 prims & the ornate baroque is 11. Both are copy/mod – and you can adjust the animations to suit your avi size. If you previously bought the tub w/one couple’s animation – you’re eligible for a FREE upgrade! (send me an IM) Also new this week, an rich carved screen (4 prims and just 45 Iz’s), the 1 prim Venetian Ribbon Mirror, the 1 prim greenish tray (view big to see details!) and the framed Russian Pieta!

Can virtual creations get any more realistic looking than this Victorian Phone? 12 beautiful prims, MOD/Copy. I think I like the phone cord best! 150IZ’s

Old Lantern and Jugs

Very detailed old lantern made from brushed copper and my jugs! All are copy/mod..the lantern is 5 prims/125IZs and the jugs just are 3prim/50Iz.

Look at my chest!

Some mornings are quick to bring inspiration! It’s not even lunchtime yet and I’ve got these great new trunks! “Grandmas Trunk” 10 prims for the open, and 9 for the closed. Really great details, definitely a rustic feel! They’re mod/copy and just 125IZs. There’s a quilt inside the open chest – easy enough to drop an alternate favorite texture and make this match your decor!

Bear with Me

Sometimes, you just have to Grin and BEAR it! Cute cuddly things are SO not what I’m in to creating – but when Scrappy Bear and his cousin Plush Bear materialized, I couldn’t resist! The bears are 11 prims each/copy. Scrappy Bear has balloons – total prims 17. The bears are free – AND I’d love to deliver one to your special friends! Just IM their full name(s) to me, and usually within a few hours (instantly, if I’m online) your friends will know how special they really are! Also new is the basket of wild lavender – 3 prims, mod/copy and 125IZs. The Ol’ Victrola has a new record (but still needs your radio script to be REALLY cool) and their are some bright 1 prim Coleus and Caladiums now too! The swing has become a big seller, low prim and mod – one recent shopper sent me a photo of their beautifully modified swing – done in a lovely white! Way to go!

New Old Mirrors! (mod, copy, 1prim, 50IZs ea)

So the new things this week are actually old things! These simple one prim mirrors can add a ton of style to your space. They may not look interesting on this wall together, but…you’ll be amazed at how a bit of stretching and/or copying of these vintage pieces will add a rich themed decor to your space.

Candelabra and vintage radio

Lots of detail in this 10 prim candelabra. Each candle has a gentle flickering flame. The Astorian Radio is just 5 prims – and I haven’t added a radio script to it (yet), but it’s MOD, so you can! The tall table is still one of my biggest sellers – 5 prims and just 100IZs!

The ambient lamp post and lavender plants.

The 9 prim Astorian Lightpost adds a ton of glowing ambiance for just 150IZs. It’s copy/mod so you can change the light intensity & color. I love lavender in RL and am very pleased with these 4prim flexi lavender plants here too! This photo was taken from the NEW STORE location on my main sim, Astoria della Mar. It’s a beautiful new setting – and the former store (visible on the left horizon) is now available for a commercial renter – contact me for details.

Wooden swing seats two!

I’m liking this rustic wooden swing – particularly the great detail in the sculpty chain links. Two comfortable sit animations, 7 prims, mod/copy. It’s not scripted to move yet, but…free swings for you and your friends if you’ll come script it for me! 🙂 …and rooster plates! There’s quite a collection of 1 prim rooster art…lol. This photo is taken at my newest store, I’m pleased to have a spot on the Sinatra Jazz @ Franks sim!

The updates sofas, now with 25 anim. menu!

NEW MENU DRIVEN SOFAS! I’m really excited to have found a new animator here – Kabuki Creations/Naku Nishi in SL is now doing some custom orders InWorldz! The menu driven program has 25 couples animations that include many casual sits and romantic cuddles as well as 12 adult positions. The sofas are mod/copy and are 11-12 prims each. Sold separately, are comfy single animation chairs, in matching textures. If you purchased an original version of this sofa and haven’t received the free updated sofa, please let me know!!

Wrought Iron Bench and…free chocolate covered strawberries!!

The new elegant wrought iron bench is just 5 prims and has two casual sit anims. 125IZs and copy/mod. Accessorize your space with a basket of perfect pine cones, a potted French lavender plant, a 1 prim wagon wheel, or a bird bath with slowly swirling water. The palm trees and palm cluster are all copy/mod – perfect for any shoreline! You can even relax on the 1 prim log! There’s a tasty antique plate filled with (low calorie) chocolate covered strawberries (the berries are a free gift till Valentine’s – ask me for yours, or let me know who I can send a plate to, on your behalf!

A new wishing well has appeared! Just 5 prims, it’s sure to add an old worldz feel to your garden! There are more plants here than you can imagine, but this sample includes some 1 prim (copy/mod) plants as well as 4 prim flexies (my favorites). Each are 75IZ’s.

After a RL weekend away, I’m back to it! I’ve opened a new store location on Major Bay ( http://slurl.com/secondlife/Major%20Bay/202/71/23 ) and here’s an advanced look. The rustic 4 prim screen and cabinet have a great old world feel! I went a bit nuts with this tub, adding a marble and gilt trim all for a real baroque finish. There’s a cozy couples pose within, or opt for a solo relaxing bath. The great big pot has a cool flexi palm for 6 prims (copy/mod). An old oil painting for your …library! ..or how about an ancient black Madonna and Jesus? Each just 1 prim and 50IZs. I love the plaid chair with its comfy sit. It’s only 75IZs and will probably have a matching sofa soon! Need a rustic bucket with water – 2 prims? A lovely 1 prim/copy/mod rose wreath! The rugs are copy/mod, 1 prim, 50IWz. Lastly, my most complex effort with prims, the radio! 4prim, copy/mod and 150IZs.

Shipwreck Findings

If you’ve been to Astoria della Mar…you’ve surely seen the ship wreck and the assorted cargo bobbing around the sinking vessel. I gathered some of it up to see if any was worth salvaging…the painting is an original by Jesse Arms Batke, a RL fav of mine! Most the plates and pots are 1 prim. The benches each sit 2 avis, in a casual sit pose (not facing the table for eating, etc)

Barrels of Fun!

I found these 1 prim barrels too – and the chairs have a simple slouch sit in them. The backgammon board is from Tibet – and lots of prims! (sorry, it’s non-operational, for now)

I’ve been having a great time with InWorldz, creating has never been so fun. I’m partial to creating plants, trees, furnishings and objects d’art – all with a vintage, quirky, and comfortable look!

You can hopefully feel the nostalgic flair in these pieces. Each candle is 2 prim and has flickering flame. This 2 prim tub seats 1 avi, but there is a cuddle version as well. I’m loving the opened old book..includes a reading animation too! Bottle, glass, pear, floral vase, and the mirrors are all just one prim. I think my favorite is the bowl of grapes (also available in green)..over a dozen tasty prims! The stacked books are 1 prim per book, copy/mod so you can make your own stacks!

Houseboat Astoria Living

The funky Houseboat Astoria is just 36 prims and 500 IZs (copy/mod). The rustic ladder is included, but any other decor you may seen on it is sold separately. There’s a slow rotating raft in the left corner…solo relaxed or couples anim available.

Astoria Houseboat Interior

The Astoria Houseboat may not be large, but the interior is bright and happy!

Outdoor Furnishing Basics

1 prim outdoor pieces (3prim for couple anim chaise) – the chaise lounges and tables come in a variety of wood styles and range from 100-125 IZs. Plants and pots abound – more than this photo can show! 🙂

Details!

A brief detour to mention Pulse, where I found my skin and Deviant, for the great hair….but the rest, well… lots of little goodies to decorate your sim space! Backgammon anyone? Great details, lots of prims! Just one prim for the wine and pots in the background. I love the golden light strands – 8 prims each. The deep red folliage are 3 prim flexis and do great things to a hillside! Most the other plants/trees in the background are 1prim. The barstool I’m sitting in features a “reverse” sit anim, great for guys – and there’s another chair with a more feminine sit. While you can’t see the chair, it gets great compliments with it’s 11 prims of modifiable & copyable uniqueness and for just 100 IZs! Matching table also available.

Ground Cover and Lighthouse

47 prims for this lighthouse, built by the talented Bruce Dyszel. It’s just 500 IZs and the light rotates – a great beacon for any sim. Many types of 1 prim ground cover flowers and wheat are covering the sim.

Brass Bed

Copyable and a zillion prims (about 110 prims), this bed will definitely add a vintage theme to your space. This bed has no anims, but is Mod, so you can add your own favorites. There’s another model available, with a patchwork quilt and animations for jumping on the bed 🙂

Lighthouse and Gypsy Vardo

The Gypsy Vardo has a feel similar to the houseboat. MOD/copy and 63 prims. The light strand and very cool shell curtain are sold separately…plants as well. There’s a better glimpse at the lighthouse! (photo credit to Antario Denja)

What does your Profile say about you? All those Tabs – does anyone read them?

From a 2008 Profile

I’m definitely a Profile fanatic! It’s rare that I’m chatting with anyone without having read their Profile first. Whether it’s an old friend or a first time chat, I’m all over the Profile! While hanging out at a busy venue, my favorite past time is reading them all. I even have a tag that says “Reading Your Profile.” I enjoy the reading and seeing the photos (often, amazing shots!). I love when a Profile intentionally paints a good portrait of how the avi spends their time.

I was especially slow to grasp the information and possible fun within a Profile. Even slower still to grasp how my own Profile could reflect on me. Longer still to finally grasp the purpose of each tab. My first two years were probably spent in Profile naivete (with the exception of the Profiles of Creators, for tracking down stores).

Profile in 2007

Starting with the first page – the first glance at you! Most avis seem to give a fair amount of thought to the photo here. I see professional portraits, candid snapshots and Photoshop creations.

Beneath that, Groups. Do you show all of yours…or are you hiding some secrets here? 🙂 (I definitely hide some!) This can tell a lot about the avi… Are they in to live music? Fashions? A dozen free sex groups? Are most of them in a language different than yours? Is their rez day in 2007, but not a single group showing? While not foolproof – you can learn a few things with Group info.

Then, the “About” section… this is where most people write a bit about their SL goals (to have drama free fun), loves (the most wonderful partner in RL/SL…EVER!), and friends (don’t fuck with my friends or I’ll mess you up bad!)…and usually a chance to reiterate the No Drama zone. It’s common to see a list of things not accepted…no random TPs, no random Friendship offerings, etc. Ohhh, I almost forgot, (cuz they’re so boring)…you might also find some famous quotes – that have already been used a zillion times!

...2009

As an avid Profile reader, I know I’m a minority. Based on the questions I’m asked, most avis that write me definitely have NOT read my Profile. This makes me question putting my “rules” in my Profile…why write all these guidelines, if the people who need to read them probably aren’t Profile readers? I think that the people who actually read Profiles either enjoy reading them as much as I do…or are searching for info regarding merchandise in my store. As a result, my Profile tries to stay up beat and positive.

The “Web” tab is next….this is usually blank, but sometimes has links to favorite video clips, blogs or online sales. I put my SLMarketplace link there – but confess to often not reading this tab when perving your Profile!

On to the “Interests” tab…”IF” people bother to fill this out at all – I think they do it once, in the beginning, and then forget all about it. I remember not filling mine out for a long time, thinking that checking one of those boxes would put me on a list, or group, and obligate me to participate somehow… lol. I get a kick out of finding a creative answer in the little boxes!

…and then the multi-purpose, multi-faceted “Picks” tab!! So much info can be found here! You can do like I did for my first year, and use it instead of LMs, for finding your favorite, hard to remember, locations. (I was LM challenged for the first year…I didn’t know how to take them, find them, use them – thank God for friends willing to TP me!) My first picks were for Bits and Bobs and a few other places that sold adult animations…. tsk tsk! Some Picks contain favorite shopping locations, frequented clubs, best places to explore or your gro0vey home! I get a big RL grin when I discover a juicier Picks tab, with details about your friends, your rules of engagement, photos of you and your sweetheart, details of why you are a dom/sub expert (oops, Dom), poetry, quotes from your friends, PHOTOS ..or at the very least, WHY you selected those locations – rather than just leaving the location owner’s Search Keywords there.

Like evaluating Groups, Picks can be insightful too!

Then, the lonesome “Classified” tab – used only by people advertising.

Lastly, the scary, often empty, “Real Life” tab! It was months before I understood it wasn’t some other game/activity, I thought it was something similar Second Life! lol, I can be soooo slow! I posted a photo of some other woman on my RL tab for a long time! (that is definitely another story!) I’ve seen RL photos that I’m fairly sure are authentic, some that I’m sure are not! Of course some prefer to keep that private – and post nothing, or a shot of their avi. Then, space for a few words….more often than not, stating that RL and SL are separate! (why is it that those avis are often the first to ask me my RL A/S/L?)

If I had more time and creativity, I’d update my Profile more often. As it stands now, it’s accurate and I think informative, surely too self centered, and probably full of so many details that there’s nothing left for me to talk about! I don’t mind sharing my RL A/S/L and photo. (All this Profile talk has been regarding SL – my IWz Profile Perving hasn’t progressed much, yet)

My time spent Profile Perving has been informative and helpful to me, as well as a source of amusement. I can also confess to a case or two of Profile Stalking! Watching the Profile of an Ex as they move on to their next interest(s), can be painfully addictive!

How could I have forgotten to mention the Rez day and Partner spots? Rez date isn’t as helpful as it once was – as many people recreate and/or have alts. A young but well groomed avi is probably not brand new. Partner info can be helpful, for obvious reasons!

I feel let down when I open a Profile for the first time and it says something to the effect…”Want to know more? Just ask!” …Gee, it’s nice you’re willing to share (if I ask), but how do I know it’s even worth our time to do that?

Perhaps it’s just my RL years catching up with me, but it turns out, I’m not nearly as open-minded as I’d like to be. I’m not talking about race, creed, sexual preference, age or even political party! But, I’m sorry to say there are a few virtual life practices I just don’t have patience for.

I mean… I just can’t take a conversation with a dragon very seriously! Or people with wings, halos or horns…or vampire teeth.

Pretending to be a master, slave, Gorean woman or a Mom, Dad, big brother or sister? Not sure you’ll easily keep my attention.

I’ve yet to encounter a child avi without having really icky feelings! I’m sure there are many well intended child avis on the grids – but, with internet child abuse/pornography so prevalent and hard to detect, why in the world would you want to be remotely associated?

My higher conscience knows I’m being snobbish. I mean, virtual living is THE PLACE to pretend and experiment with alternate styles and lifestyles! Fortunately, my little corner of the virtual world doesn’t put me in situations where these folks would have to put up with me and my narrow mind! 🙂

But what’s really driving my fingers today are …RL Married People who have romantic relationships online – but not with their RL spouse!

Some of these people keep their 2nd life a complete secret from their RL spouse and family. Some claim to tell their RL spouse..but really don’t. Perhaps most common, is creating a modest description of SL to tell your RL spouse. (this is when calling it “just a game” must come in handy!) “They’re just avatars on poseballs – it’s not real!” “We just dance and talk a bit” It’s really easy to downplay the description of SL activities.

Meanwhile, inside the IM window, commitments to have partnerships, agreeing to not date or dance with anyone else online, sharing of secret dreams and fantasies and SO MUCH MORE occur.

Each RL married avi I know has a special way of justifying…or classifying, their online actions for themselves. It’s incredibly easy to fool yourself too, to compartmentalize it…after all, it’s your PC/laptop, where you play online games….

I’m no saint! I’ve been a 3rd party in these situations. Knowingly and unknowingly. It’s a shitty thing to do….so I tell myself before and after!

I’ve read all the debates about online relationships. They ARE real – They AREN’T real. You SHOULD be jealous – You SHOULDN’T be jealous.

Come on people – can you tell me that the emotions online aren’t real??? Genuine, heartfelt exchanges take place. Those poseballs stir affectionate thoughts! Did you put all that time and $$ into your sexy avatar just to impress yourself?

Think you’re safe because you don’t use X-rated or kinky poseballs? Pfffft Poseballs aren’t the threat at all! It’s those private moments shared, the whispers, the anticipation and growing desire that would worry me!

It’s not always about romance, either….I once shared hotel recommendations with a long-time avi friend, who was going to my favorite European cities. He and his RL wife had a great trip and he reported that my hotel advice had been great. I guess his RL wife hadn’t known about me or his SL – and when she discovered SL and our chat history, she was so upset! Upset that her husband had a virtual pen-pal, that he took advice from some “stranger” (gee, i don’t seem like a stranger to me!) for their RL vacation, that he had hours and hours of chat (nothing romantic) that covered day-to-day crap, the kind of crap you share with your dear friends. She was upset to not know he had a dear friend. I totally understood where she was coming from.

Ultimately, it’s the RL couple’s life and situation! (and i should mind my own business) Perhaps they’ve special guidelines for each other, or have a true understanding and acceptance of what their spouse is doing online. Polygamists even! Perhaps my RL married avi friends are being neglected in RL and SL is filling a void…. any scenario is possible! Yet, I can’t help feeling that the RL spouses are not getting the whole story (even if they think they are) – and if they did, they’d be crushed!!

After about a year of SL, I had a sudden revelation and added it to my Profile RL tab – it still holds true to me today: Why say your RL is private when really it’s your SL that’s the big secret?

If you happen to be on my Friend list and think I’m writing about you – you’re probably right! But, 6 of my 10 Friends can think the same….so it’s not specifically you 🙂 And, my friends – this topic irks me, but doesn’t change the friendship I feel for you! …there are no dragons on my Friend list!

Online relationships are a new frontier – I’m no expert – and all of this is just my personal reaction.

I’m sure my next post will be light and witty… it’s time to hang up my hat at The Bitching Post and ease on over to The OK Corral!

I remember very clearly from my earliest days of SL that we use the grid at our own risk. No guarantees that you’ll have your stuff, your land, even your avi, tomorrow.

Like everyone I knew back then… tp issues, lag, sim crashes, hair and shoes up your bum, , etc., were all a part of the deal. A hassle, but no real “losses” for me.

I grow tired quickly listening to others complain about these things…It couldn’t be THAT bad, could it? And, I’m sorry for your struggles, but, don’t bring my SL experience down with your problems… Complaining only depresses us both! If it’s that bad, sign out for awhile. And please, surely there are enough blogs full of crying and whining already??

Well, I can’t shut up anymore – I’ve got to write this down – and sadly, I’m asking you to listen!

My SL experience has really taken a dive. In October, while exploring a Group Land error I’d made, I discovered I was double billed for my tier (a $200+usd error). My avi is borked – I’m a cloud or Ruth 99% of the time – unless I change viewers. That’s ok, but with the other viewer, I have no assets or access to About Land menu.

At no time does everything work.

Of course, I’ve tried all the tricks I can think of – scoured the forums for new tips and spent hours with endless Tickets and Concierge Support. All to no avail. Particularly disappointing was the customer service from LL. Not only did it not help, but they were often vague, even rude! – and their typing/spelling was atrocious!

For several years, I had AWESOME support from LL…this change is the biggest surprise and disappointment for me.

A case of SL burnout had crept in this past autumn, and I discovered InWorldz – so I’m not really minding my viewer issues too much.

Mostly I’m disappointed that the SL/LL support is so bad. That after years of unconditional support for them, I get none in return.

Whew, I feel better! I’m done trying to fix things there – and I don’t really feel too bad about it. Perhaps I’ll retire Dancer and use an alt… perhaps I don’t really need it all to work perfectly. and truly, I’m not wanting to feel bitter about all of this. SL has been an awesome adventure!!!

My prior report about prim counting will confirm that I also didn’t know a thing about building. It was about six months before I rezzed my first plain wood box. My mouse hand was actually shaking! Today, my house hand is prone to pain and strain, from too much building!

Building skills and enthusiasm vary amongst my friends and acquaintances. A few don’t/won’t/can’t build at all. Many seem to build/create as needed – they have the basic skills and weigh out the time vs. expense for the object. Yet, others are here specifically to create – creating objects/fashions for sale or exhibit.

A bouncy baby prim!

There are 2 components – skills and creativity. Of course you need to know your way around the Build menu – but, having inspiration for something to create, is another story.

I hope I’m not the only one who used some other creator’s modifiable object to experiment with. I took them apart and then made replicas. It was a helpful tool for me!

This was a fun feeling of accomplishment, but… quickly grew dull. My most coveted purchases were some non-mod vintage lamps – so I tried my hand at creating my own versions.

Oh they were beautiful! A complex 3 prim concoction – it even glowed – sort of like a light. I made a series in a wide variety of colors and quickly figured out how to sell them on Xstreet.com! I was going to be RICH from these babies!!

LOL, or not! They were complete shit!

The First Creation!

Not a single lamp ever sold!! Couldn’t people see my clever skills?? 🙂

It was months before I tried my hand at anything else – and then it was for some steps and retaining walls – (look behind the lovely lamp) I wanted around Astoria.

Now that I was a BUILDER, look out! I learned how to make a flexy plant with a transparency plant texture – and that was exciting, but when rezzed alongside Julia Hathor’s amazing plants (I own every single plant she has created!) my plants came up sorely lacking.

Other than wanting to save some money, (like with all those big texture packs!) there was no real unique creative inspiration behind my builds.

Since SL has amazing creations, I was able to fill the Astoria space with unique and beautiful objects. I LOVED the antiques I could buy and had a blast decorating and landscaping. I was actually quite proud to be supporting the SL economy! It never occurred to me that anything would be more fun than shopping!

At some point during my 2nd year of 2nd Life, I realized that creating textures was often the key to unique objects. I’d heard of PhotoShop, of course…but Jester Wildcat told me about GIMP, which I downloaded and began experimenting with. Gads, it was complicated and I could do NOTHING! Slowly, like everything else I learned – it started to become a helpful tool.

Eventually, in year 3, the skills became more useful, and gradually the creative ideas began to sneak in. A few chairs, mirrors, a fireplace, beaded hippy curtains…I actually liked these items – and much to my surprise, people bought them!

Advertisement for my store.

I had shifted from buying endless amounts of antique crap to creating endless amounts of antique crap – and it was so much fun! It was very satisfying to see an idea take shape. So satisfying that it began to overshadow most everything else I’d come to SL for! (but that’s a different blog)

Fast forward to October 2010 and my entrance to InWorldz. I had so many great feelings about being there. A fresh feeling, starting from scratch with an Inventory that contained only the basics (and sometimes not even those things!) and people that were so generous without being pushy or nosy! A wonderful sense of camaraderie and a genuine desire to make IWz a good experience.

I went to a sandbox and began experimenting. With so few textures, sculpt maps, etc in my inventory it was a unique feeling. Somehow it made me think more logically about my approach to building. I’d always “eyeballed” my builds in SL, but here…it dawned on me that the Edit tools could be put to better use and there might actually be something beneficial about geometric symmetry! LOL …or perhaps I had finally figured out how to use all the tools available.

At first, it seemed important to figure out how to transfer items from SL to IWz. That didn’t last long, and quickly I was wanting to do the reverse! I was liking my IWz creations better than my SL stuff…somehow, my IWz stuff was cooler, fresher, better quality.

Astoria Bandstand, InWorldz

Something has really been set free within me, since I’ve joined IWz! For the first time, I actually feel creativity in my head! I’m looking at RL with a different eye, contemplating the way to recreate certain things virtually. I have a list on my RL desk …things I want to add to Astoria, IWz. It keeps growing – even though I’m also drawing lines through completed items.

Of course it helps that IWz is so much less expensive than SL. You can’t imagine how it feels to have 45,000 prims at your disposal. Okay, maybe you can imagine! 🙂 I’ve always been a detail oriented decorator – and IWz gives me the freedom to do that. Odds and ends scattered about, a calculated randomness to object placement, clusters or nooks for conversation or a cuddle, and the biggest detail of all – the skylines.

I have long been an enthusiast of the amazing virtual photography. Check out the FlickR or KoinUp sites for SL/OS photos and you’ll see why! These photographers of virtual content will get a blog from me, showing some of their great works. But, until then, I must confess – more than any thing else in my IWz, they are currently Dancer’s Muse!

If I was to try to describe why an avi needs a virtual home, I’m sure it would sound ridiculous to anyone who hasn’t been here! (not that this whole thing doesn’t sound ridiculous to most!) Isn’t the whole point of being in this environment, to go out and socialize? It’s not as if your avi is in-world while you’re at RL work…

I have met 2-3 people who seem to have managed finding a comfortable life – homeless! Yet even they, have a default Home – a place where they may sign in or out of. A quiet spot where they can try out a new outfit or fix their hair. A place that allows them to rez objects – like shopping packages full of new shoes !!…that need editing. A special event that needs the perfect ensemble. A certain attachment you can’t be seen editing in public!

If you choose to pursue romantic relationships here, you definitely need a place to call home. Yes, there are many public/free romantic spots to visit and explore, but privacy can become a valuable commodity!

Deciding to get your first home is a big deal – as it (usually) involves some sort of financial commitment. But for just a few bucks a week, you can have your own apartment!!!

I think I waited 3 weeks before I decided to get rent a place. My neighbor was Nic Paravane! (a great gal!) I knew Nic already because we were both strippers at Benny Rosebud’s “Paradise Club”…which I think still exists, on the Sand region….but I digress!

I was extremely nervous and concerned about my $3usd per week commitment for this studio apartment – but it was in a very cute high-rise building with an ocean view and I was allowed 35 prims! I was sure this little apartment could never need more than 35 items of furniture – I was going to be living in style!!

I tried a bit of decorating (a slow and painful process) – first rezzing my chair and table. They didn’t match and were, well frankly, they were…ugly! If I spent just a few dollars I could totally deck this place out with some cool furniture! With some fresh Ls and LMs in my pocket, I set out to find some cool antiques!

…and did I ever! I was lucky to discover the amazing Jeannie Moonflower’s store. A full sim, room after room, multiple floors, FILLED with antiques of every era! Her light fixtures were unlike anything I’d seen – and I’d seen a lot in my 3 weeks! 🙂 I was siting on the edge of my seat! I invited Berford (forgot her last name) to see these creations. She commented that they were “lovely but so high prim!” I was secretly pleased she thought they might be too…classy – prim and proper!

I managed to restrain myself and just buy the essentials – after all, I only had room for 35 pieces of furniture in my studio, right?

I guess I don’t have to tell you how that chapter turned out!!

Within a day, I went from confused about prims to becoming a prim whore! This studio apartment was not going to do at all! Returning to the land rental pages, I found an attractive house, in a neighborhood with lots of water and it’s own deck, yard and hot-tub! It was only going to cost $1.00 per week more than the place I was giving up…this was gonna be great! This place allowed over 100 prims – I’d be able to rez my new things – and probably get some more! The landlord told me I could upgrade my lease for more prims if I needed.

I needed. I reallyneeded. There were amazing designers here! Clever and fun furnishings that let your avi sit on them and look awesome. I needed that great rug with pillows that let all my new avi friends sit in front of the great fireplace – with real flames and fire sounds! Art deco decor! No…wait, Louis XIV…but this mid-century stuff is great too! *sigh*

I threw a party and invited everyone I knew! To decorate for it, I needed just a few more prims allowed on my parcel and the landlord quickly helped out!

Interior of an early home.

and the next home ....

LOL

Within a month I was renting 1/4 region on a stunning private sim – sobbing 2 months later when the landlord left and removed his sims – then annoyed, when the restrictions were too picky at the next private sim I rented from – and within 6 months of joining SL I was paying tier for a small lot on the Masan mainland sim. The prim addiction grew and grew – and my lot became Astoria della Mar and my tier for one full region.

Astoria - the beginning!

It wasn’t all just because of my prim addiction -Really! There were lots of great motivators for expanding my space! In particular, the objects I learned to create and sell (Glimmer Moon Warehouse), the great musical events each week, even providing space for friends to call their own home.

The space wrapped up in things I find beautiful and interesting! Nostalgic, quirky, unique…a development of virtual space, but more magically – a development of creativity in myself. I’ve NEVER felt creative and always admired those who are. SL and my little place called Astoria have unfurled this fun and stimulating new thing for me. I actually feel creative here!

At the time of writing this, I’ve greatly reduced the size of Astoria in SL, and much to my surprise, I’m surviving quite well. 🙂

Meanwhile, this newfangled InWorldz has lured me over to experiment…have you heard that their sims have 45,000 (yes, 45,000) prims each??? For a third the cost of SL?

/me searches Inventory for her cute pink tee-shirt that says “Prim Whore” on the front….

I’ve yet to meet an avatar that didn’t have extreme interest in their appearance! Countless hours and unknown amounts of $$ spent on making your character “just right.” Just like our Real Life appearance – there are so many ways to display ourselves.

I’m no different than the other avis – perhaps even worse!

One of the appeals for virtual activity is the opportunity to take on any shape you want. You can be a dragon, pirate, princess, squirrel, runway model, super-hero, or even try to duplicate your RL skin! You can change your mind daily – the virtual creators provide an incredible variety of choices. Even like this random visitor to Astoria SL in 2009….

That's me, on the right...

Perhaps because I’m not interested in Role Play, I want my avatar to look like a female human. I’m sure I’m not alone with my first noobie goals – to be as sexy as possible! Shiny and sparkly, blinging my way through the metaverse with the shortest skirt and the highest stilettos possible! When I look back, it’s like seeing my RL photos from the 80’s..the bad hair, the ridiculous shoulder pads and the shoes! Eeeek! What was I thinking?

I couldn’t agree more with the endless discussions about avatar overcompensation. Unrealistic females with legs too long, waists too narrow and breasts too large – and the guys with shoulders much too wide for their waist and hips, then quads bursting their pants! And height?? OMG, height! Heights are soaring! It took a few months, at least, before I started noticing this – and even then, it was “other avatars” that did that…not moi!

Eventually I think we all find that gadget that translates your avi height to RL height – were you as surprised as I was to discover a giant?? LOL Promptly I brought my avi height down to something more like RL! …and then discovered I was a midget compared to everyone around me. *sigh* I’ve yet to figure out how to get everyone to do it MY way!

Ultimately I settled for something in between realistic and average. Then I aspired to create a more…full figured avi – something less like Barbie. I didn’t feel the need to make her have my RL shape (hahahaha) (Ha!) – but I also didn’t want her to be a typical overly perfect shape.

January 2007 - moi!

This was the first look I was rather happy with. I then became fond of wearing reading glasses, up-dos and then wild curly hair!

I never did get the more “average” size/shape I’d hoped for – though, on more occasions than I can count, I was complimented for not being too skinny! (my RL ego thinks twice about that sort of compliment!)

Wild AND Smart, lol

I probably kept this look the longest (2008-2009)- thinking it gave me the sexy and smart look – lol, it’s absolutely AMAZING how attached we become to our avatar! (btw, the photo is shot in a garden loft I’d created. I loved the pond, the arches (thanks Mike Hamlin!) and the great collection of antiques I’d collected. It is missed!)

Of course, I’ve changed the cover on my book/avi yet again – (which I’ll surely show in future post) and ya know, I am beginning to think you CAN judge my SL book by it’s cover!